Press Release: Wilmington City Council Reviews Rent Stabilization Ordinance Amid Rising Housing Crisis
Wilmington, DE – Councilwoman Shané Darby has reintroduced a rent stabilization ordinance aimed at addressing Delaware’s escalating housing crisis. The proposed legislation would cap rent increases for private rental units in Wilmington at 3% annually, with further restrictions if the consumer price index declines. Critics, including Governor John Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority Director Matthew Heckles, argue that increasing the construction of affordable housing is a more effective solution.
Darby emphasized that the ordinance aims to protect not just low-income but also working- and middle-class families facing rent spikes. The bill exempts various housing types, including public housing and newly constructed units within their first ten years. It also allows landlords to request an exemption from the cap if they can demonstrate financial hardships.
While some residents and tenant advocacy groups support the measure, local landlords express concerns about its potential implications, arguing it could stifle property investment and maintenance. The legislation has stirred considerable debate, with a committee vote set for May 29, leading to a full council vote on June 5. Darby hopes that if passed, this legislation will be accompanied by additional housing policies to create a more stable rental environment.
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